Today....
I questioned, again, actor Michael Richards apology for his racist outburst. Supporters are loading their pistols with clips of rehearsed ammo already I know. "What more do you want from him?!" is the typical sympathizers response, but stems more from empathy and bias. Many people, white and other, have been in or can imagine being in Mr. Richards shoes: being accused of being a racist. A harsh accusation in America, but before you jump on the "get off his back"-bandwagon, hear the other side. By others I mean any minority who has been the victim of verbal racism which, in this case, is the Black community.
I understand the possibility of saying things you dont really mean in times of anger with the sole purpose of hurting your target, it happens. But even when angry or inebriated, words dont just appear from nowhere. During those times, you lose inhibitions, not gain random insight. You may put the moves on a girl youve thought was cute, but you probably wont kiss your male drinking buddy. In anger, you may call attention to your friends slightly large nose knowing theyre insecure about it, but you probably wont tell them youve always hated them and their family - these thoughts, of loathing or lust, existed before; they just were released(This applies to you too, Mel). And I am neither publicist nor psychic, but I planned out his response in detail as soon as I heard about the comments. Typical celebrity: Blame it on larger, uncontrollable problem to gain sympathy(drugs, anger, or drinking), get celebrity friends to admit how out of character this behavior is and how good of a guy you are, affiliate yourself with offended partys leadership, then check into self-help center(rehab). Typical.
Then again, maybe he really isnt a racist, and really is sorry.
What matters most is what happens now.
It seems this has awaken what to some was an accepted affliction, to others a lost cause, and still to some, a dead horse - racism.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, NAACP leaders, and even pro-black comedian Paul Mooney have joined forces, calling for the N-word to be abolished from everyones vocabulary, including rappers and comedians. As a black man who has previously tried, and failed, to end its usage, I know how tall of an order this is. But this time, I am inspired. And, perhaps more importantly, not alone. Like a mothers labor pains before the miracle of life, those hurtful, hateful comments were but a prelude to the birth of a movement. -j